26
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3700/11
Nautilus “Jumbo” Tiffany & Co.
An exceptionally rare and important stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet, retailed by Tiffany & Co.
Full-Cataloguing
• Extremely rare “Tiffany” double signed dial, one of only four known
• The present example is a reference 3700/11A, part of the later series featuring a more refined, tapered bracelet
• 2026 marks the model’s 50th anniversary
• Recently serviced by Patek Philippe and accompanied by its Extract from the Archives
Launched in 1976, the Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 3700 stands as one of the most influential wristwatch designs of the 20th century. Conceived by the legendary Gérald Genta, the Nautilus introduced an entirely new aesthetic to haute horlogerie—defined by its stainless steel construction, integrated bracelet, and unmistakable porthole-inspired case. At a time when precious metals dominated the upper echelon of watchmaking, the reference 3700 boldly challenged convention, laying the foundation for what would become the modern luxury sports watch. In this context, 2026 marks a particularly significant milestone, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Nautilus—an enduring icon whose design language remains as relevant and coveted today as it was at its inception.
Production of the reference 3700 was divided into two principal series. Early examples, produced between 1976 and 1982, were designated reference 3700/1, while later pieces manufactured from 1982 until the end of production in 1990 were designated 3700/11. The former featured a broader 16mm bracelet, whereas the latter introduced a more tapered 14mm profile, lending a slightly more refined and streamlined presence on the wrist.
Elevating its importance, the present example was retailed by Tiffany & Co, bearing the highly coveted double signature of the prestigious American retailer. First appearing on the market in 2019, the present example is only the fourth known reference 3700 Nautilus in stainless steel with Tiffany-signed dial. Historically reserved for Patek Philippe’s most important retail partners and produced in exceedingly small numbers, such co-signed dials represent some of the most desirable and collectible variations within the brand’s output. The Tiffany & Co. signature, elegantly printed above 6 o’clock, not only denotes the watch’s original point of sale but also significantly enhances its rarity and historical appeal.
In recent years, Phillips has had the privilege of presenting some of the most important Tiffany-signed timepieces to ever appear at auction—most notably the modern Nautilus reference 5711/1A-018 “Tiffany Blue,” the first example of which achieved a world record result exceeding USD 6 million. Against this backdrop, the present watch—an early, first-generation Nautilus bearing the same coveted co-signature—offers a compelling bridge between past and present. It underscores the enduring desirability of Tiffany-signed Patek Philippe wristwatches across generations, while highlighting the historical lineage from which today’s icons derive their significance.
Accompanied by its Extract from the Archives and recently unsealed following a full service by Patek Philippe, the watch is presented in fresh, well-preserved, and ready-to-wear condition, poised to accompany its next custodian as the Nautilus celebrates its golden jubilee.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.